The Biosynthesis of Ricinoleic Acid by <i>Claviceps purpurea</i>

Abstract

The major source ofricinoleic acid (D-12-hydroxy-9-octadecenoic acid) is the oil of the castor bean (Ricinus communis), where it occurs as a mixture of simple triglycerides. The precursor of ricinoleic acid in this system has been shown to be oleic acid and not linoleic acid (James,